|
On Saturday, November 12, 2011, the town of Cheshire will celebrate the now-annual Lights of Hope event. Cheshire has raised over $310,000 for community organizations that benefit our neighbors, families and coworkers since Cheshire’s Lights of Hope inception six years ago. Community organizations include the American Cancer Society, Cheshire Community Food Pantry, Cheshire's Youth & Social Services, the MS Society, the Petit Family Foundation and the Cheshire's Lights of Hope Scholarship Fund.
The simple act of buying and lighting ten luminaries helps town residents come together as neighbors to help one another all while benefitting charities important to our community and creating a gorgeous evening display of light. At a time when darkness has permeated so much of our daily lives, the Cheshire’s Lights of Hope is an outlet for neighbors to find hope within ourselves and our community.
With over 475 streets, the greatest need is Street Captains to rally their neighbors. Our goal is to exceed last year’s participation – which was 5% higher than last year. Interested parties are asked to please contact Jenifer Walsh or Deb Hajjar at captains@cheshireslightsofhope.com. Captains need only to solicit their neighbors for a brief few days from September 20 - October 3, place orders, and arrange for participant pick-up. 10-luminary kits will cost $10 per kit (10 candles, bags and cups). A brief captain’s meeting is scheduled for September 19 at the Cheshire Senior Center, 240 Maple Avenue, at 7 pm. Anyone - of any age - is welcome to take on the role of street captain.
Those who would like to participate in the event but do not have a street captain, may purchase luminary kits at R.W. Hines, Timberline or PAWS beginning on November 4 while supplies last at a cost of $12 per kit.
The town will again sponsor the Mile of Hope from Bartlem Park to Cheshire Academy. As in prior years, business sponsors will be recognized with street signs to broadcast their generosity. Signage is in place well in advance of the evening and provides a unique opportunity for business owners to help their community while increasing their own visibility. As the largest charitable event of its kind in Cheshire, residents take note of business sponsorship! Click here to obtain an online form.
Volunteer participation is always key. Last year, volunteers compiled luminary orders, prepared luminary kits and individual luminaries for the Mile of Hope, placed sponsorship signage, and performed myriad other tasks too numerous to mention. Special thanks goes out to the generosity of the Cheshire Football Team and the Gridiron Club for donating their time to the clean up process! Please consider helping this year - no effort is too little. Contact Edmonde Bernier at volunteer@cheshireslightsofhope.com. PAWS Pet Resort will once again be host to our Volunteer Center, with dates in late October and early November already set for the bustle of activity that goes into organizing this event. Our sincere thanks for the generous donation of their space offered by the owners of PAWS, the Whitright Family.
"All the darkness in the world cannot extinguish the light of a single candle."
St. Francis of Assisi
|
